Foundation Tasks Nigerians On More Philanthropic Initiatives
THE Nikki Udezue Foundation (NUF), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has called for more philanthropic initiatives and community-driven programmes to make a difference in the lives of Nigerians.
The Convener of NUF, Mrs. Nkeiruka Udezue, made the call on Saturday during the organisation’s HEAL medical outreach at Pyakasa, a community in Abuja.
According to her, development requires the active participation of every citizen.
“Every individual has to be the one to make a change in this country.
“If we are going to move Nigeria forward, everyone has to brace up, stand firm, stay focused and achieve all that is expected of us.
“So, more programmes, projects and initiatives are needed to make a difference in Nigeria,” she said.
She explained that the outreach, which marked the foundation’s fourth anniversary, was aimed at providing free medical consultations, laboratory services, health education and distribution of essential medicines to about 1,000 members of the community.
“The people in rural and underserved areas really need access to doctors, nurses, quality healthcare and medications.
“Services being offered include blood sugar checks for diabetes, high blood pressure monitoring, malaria testing, general check-ups and deworming of children.
“That is what the initiative is all about,” she added.
Also speaking, Dr. Emeka Udezue, a Consultant Radiologist, said the foundation had sustained the outreach programme for four years across different locations.
“I can proudly say that I have been involved in every single one of them. Each one has been fruitful, reaped benefits for the communities and created impact to supplement what government is doing.
“Treatment is free, the drugs are free, the lab tests are free. We have doctors, lab scientists and pharmacists here, so everything is fully professional.
“We hope this can be multiplied and replicated in other communities,” he said.
Similarly, Dr. Francis Chinweuba, a Paediatrician and team member, said the outreach revealed a variety of illnesses among adults and children.
“In this community, we observed a high prevalence of infectious diseases, especially malaria.
“Some people also presented with high blood pressure and protein in urine, which we are investigating further.
“Diabetes is also common here, so our aim is to help ameliorate these conditions.”
He called on other organisations and government agencies to key into such programmes and extend support to vulnerable groups.
Some beneficiaries of the outreach commended the foundation for remembering their community and urged other NGOs to replicate similar interventions across underserved areas of the country.
(NAN)
